U.S. patent application number 11/240414 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for amusement ride track with motion base.
This patent application is currently assigned to Univeral City Studio LLLP. Invention is credited to Steven C. Blum, Michael R. Kiddoo, Scott R. Trowbridge.
Application Number | 20070074638 11/240414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37900699 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070074638 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blum; Steven C. ; et
al. |
April 5, 2007 |
Amusement ride track with motion base
Abstract
An amusement ride has a track defining a ride vehicle path with
a section of the track that can be decoupled from the main track
and is subsequently movable on or about up to three axes with
between one and six independent degrees of freedom.
Inventors: |
Blum; Steven C.; (Orlando,
FL) ; Kiddoo; Michael R.; (Orlando, FL) ;
Trowbridge; Scott R.; (Windermere, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
General Electric Company
3135 Easton Turnpike, W3D
Fairfield
CT
06431
US
|
Assignee: |
Univeral City Studio LLLP
|
Family ID: |
37900699 |
Appl. No.: |
11/240414 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
104/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 7/00 20130101; A63G
21/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
104/053 |
International
Class: |
A63G 7/00 20060101
A63G007/00 |
Claims
1. A motion track for an amusement ride having a guide system
defining a ride path for a ride vehicle, the track section
comprising: a movable track section decoupleable from adjacent
connected fixed track sections of the ride path; a motion base
supporting the movable track section and having from two to six
independent degrees of freedom for moving the movable track section
in any of three coordinate axes, pitch, roll and yaw directions
when the movable track section is decoupled.
2. The motion track section according to claim 1, further
comprising sensing means associated with the movable track section
for determining when the movable track section is aligned with at
least one adjacent track section of the ride path.
3. The motion track according to claim 1, further comprising
securing means for fixing the ride vehicle relative to the movable
track section and blocking said ride vehicle from exiting the
movable track section.
4. The motion track according to claim 3, further comprising
sensing means associated with the movable track section for
determining when the movable track section is aligned with an
adjacent fixed track section in the intended direction of travel of
the ride vehicle, said sensing means cooperating with said securing
means to block said ride vehicle from exiting the movable track
section until the sensing means determines the movable track
section is recoupled to the adjacent fixed track section.
5. The motion track according to claim 1, further comprising a
scenery element positioned proximate the movable track section,
wherein movement of the motion base is coordinated with the scenery
element to produce a show effect for the ride vehicle when the ride
vehicle is on the movable track section.
6. The motion track according to claim 1, wherein the fixed track
section at one end of the movable track section is in a different
horizontal or vertical plane from the fixed track section at the
other end of the movable track section, the motion base moving the
movable track section between the fixed track sections to complete
the ride path.
7. The motion track according to claim 1, wherein the ride path has
a primary route and at least one alternate route, the movable track
section and motion base forming a track switch selectively
coupleable at one end of the movable track section to one of a
primary route fixed track section and at least one alternate route
fixed track section.
8. A method for imparting motion to a ride vehicle at a point along
a ride path in an amusement ride having a track defining the ride
path, the method comprising the steps of: decoupling a movable
track section from surrounding fixed sections of the track;
operating a motion base connected to the movable track section to
move the movable track section with one to six independent degrees
of freedom in any of three coordinate axes, pitch, roll and yaw
directions.
9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising securing the
ride vehicle on the movable track section prior to operating the
motion base.
10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising sensing
when the movable track section is decoupled from the surrounding
fixed track sections; and blocking the ride vehicle from moving off
of the movable track section until at least one end of the movable
track section is recoupled to one of the surrounding fixed track
sections in the intended direction of movement of the ride
vehicle.
11. An amusement ride having a guide system defining a ride path
for a ride vehicle, comprising a movable track section of the ride
path decoupleable from surrounding fixed track sections of the ride
path connected to motion means supporting the moveable track
section and having from two to six independent degrees of freedom
for moving the moveable track section in any of three coordinate
axes, pitch, roll and yaw directions when the movable track section
is decoupled from the surrounding fixed track sections.
12. The amusement ride according to claim 11, wherein the
surrounding fixed track sections define a primary ride path and at
least one secondary ride path, the movable track section switching
between being coupled with the primary ride path and coupled with
the at least one secondary ride path in response to a control
signal.
13. The amusement ride according to claim 11, further comprising
sensors connected with at least one of the motion means, said
surrounding fixed track sections and said movable track section,
said sensors for determining when the movable track section and
surrounding track sections are in position for coupling.
14. The amusement ride according to claim 11, further comprising a
scenery element positioned proximate the movable track section, the
scenery element and motion of the movable track section combining
to form a show element for a ride vehicle positioned on the movable
track section.
15. The amusement ride according to claim 11, further comprising
securing means for holding a ride vehicle on the movable track
section while the motion base is moving the movable track
section.
16. The amusement ride according to claim 15, wherein the securing
means comprises at least one of a locking mechanism holding the
ride vehicle to the movable track section, brakes, and a blocking
mechanism preventing the ride vehicle from moving off of the
movable track section.
17. The amusement ride according to claim 11, further comprising
locking mechanisms on the movable track section for coupling with
at least one of the surrounding fixed track sections and securing
the track sections together.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the invention relates to amusement or theme
park attractions and rides. More specifically, the invention
relates to a new and useful section of track for a fixed path
amusement ride vehicle, which section of track can be decoupled
from the fixed path for movement along or about up to three axes in
space with between one to six degrees of freedom.
[0002] Various amusement rides have been created to provide
passengers with unique motion and visual experiences, including
roller coasters, themed rides, and simulators. Roller coasters and
themed rides typically have the limitation of being a fixed ride
experience, with changes to the ride being made only at great
expense. As a result, passengers can become familiar with the ride,
which limits the excitement of the ride. Additionally, roller
coasters and theme rides generally lack the ability to be pointed
and rotated in any direction.
[0003] To create improved rides, simulators have been placed on
moving vehicles. The vehicle typically travels over a set course
with the motion base providing e.g., controlled pitch, roll, yaw,
heave, surge, and slip movement.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,926 describes one amusement ride vehicle
having a vehicle chassis adapted for traveling on a fixed track and
a motion base connected to the chassis. The motion base provides
between one and six degrees of freedom to the ride vehicle relative
to the chassis as it travels along on the fixed track.
[0005] Even these improved rides typically have a closed loop track
path, with sidings for maintenance. Switches for directing a ride
vehicle along a different section of the track are integrated to
the fixed track and at least one rail is always connected to the
track throughout the switch. Turntables, which do separate a track
section at both ends have only one degree of freedom as they
rotate. Further, turntables are limited by the rotation to changing
the direction of a ride vehicle at a fixed angle of rotation from
the original direction of travel and in the same plane. Other
single degree of freedom track switch examples include transfer
tracks, which move in one lateral degree of freedom, rotary
switches that move about the roll axis, and teeter-totter switches
that move about the pitch axis. Teeter-totter switches always have
a vehicle on board the switch assembly in order to function, but it
is not always the case with transfer tracks or rotary switches.
Track sections of amusement rides are thus not generally separable
or decoupled in three-space from other track sections for movement
during a ride.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved track
section for an amusement ride vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A track section for a dark ride, roller coaster or other
ride system is mechanically decoupled from adjacent track members.
The track section is sufficiently long to hold a corresponding ride
vehicle. The track section is mounted to a motion base comprising
at least two and up to six independent degrees of freedom,
including translation along any of three coordinate axes, pitch,
roll and yaw. The motion base may include a drive for imparting
rotational motion in the yaw direction of 360 degrees or more. The
ride vehicle is rigidly held in place on the track section during
decoupling and any movement generated by the motion base.
[0008] In one embodiment of the track section, the track section is
used as a multiple-position switching device. In such case, the
switching device is not subject to the requirements that the switch
is coplanar with other track, is axially symmetric or has a single
radius of curvature motion, as are required for traditional track
switches.
[0009] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the track
section movement is combined with a show or themed ride element to
generate a ride experience for riders in the vehicle.
[0010] The various features of novelty which characterize the
invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and
benefits obtained by its uses, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings and descriptive matter. The accompanying
drawings are intended to show examples of the many forms of the
invention. The drawings are not intended as showing the limits of
all of the ways the invention can be made and used. Changes to and
substitutions of the various components of the invention can of
course be made. The invention resides as well in sub-combinations
and sub-systems of the elements described, and in methods of using
them.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a fixed path track having
a movable track section in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a fixed path track
including a movable track section according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the movable track section
of FIG. 2 with a ride vehicle on the track section;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of another fixed path track
having a movable track section in accordance with a further
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference
numerals are used to indicate the same or related elements, FIG. 1
illustrates generally a closed loop, fixed track path 100 of an
amusement ride formed by track 5 for a ride vehicle 20. As used
herein, the term track means a guide system, such as a rail for the
vehicle 20, and may include a single rail, or two or more parallel
rails along which the vehicle moves or is guided. The rail(s)
forming the track can be one or more guide rails or one or more
load rails, or combinations thereof. The guide system can also be
an electronic guide system, such as one using electronic sensors
and transmitters to define a path for a vehicle. Such systems
include electronic devices for detecting the path defined by
transmitters on the ground or adjacent a roadway on board the
vehicle. Electronic guide systems usually do not require a
mechanical guide as well, but one can be used in combination for
safety. The vehicle 20 can be moved through the path 100 by a chain
drive, gravity, on-board propulsion elements, or other device for
moving the vehicle along the track 5. Separated or combined loading
and unloading area(s) 50 is provided on part of the path 100
forming a beginning and end of the ride. Passengers board and
disembark from the ride vehicle 20 at the loading and unloading
area(s) 50, respectively.
[0016] The ride may have various scenery elements 40 located
proximately along the track 5. The ride scenery elements 40 may be
static or dynamic scenery, including projected images or
three-dimensional figures and objects and special effects, such as
flames, fog, smoke, scents, water or other fluid sprays. Scenery
elements 40 may be positioned at any point around the track 5,
including above and below the plane of the track 5, depending on
the desired scenery effect.
[0017] The path 100 includes a movable track section 10 which can
be decoupled from the main track 5 for movement in any of at least
two to six independent degrees of freedom. The movable track
section 10 is mounted to a motion base or other articulating
mechanism 15 for causing the movement in the up to six independent
degrees of freedom. The motion base 15 may move the movable track
section 10 in the x, y, z, pitch, roll and/or yaw directions. That
is, the motion base 15 causes the movable track section 10 to move
along or about any or all of the coordinate axes in three
dimensions. When the ride vehicle 20 is on the movable track
section 10, the ride vehicle 20 is stopped relative to the track
section 10 and is preferably secured to the track section 10 for
movement with the movable track section 10 by the motion base 15.
The ride vehicle 20 is released for movement along the track 5
again once the movable track section 10 is recoupled to the main
track 5 in at least the direction of the ride vehicle 20
travel.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the track 100 may include a primary
route 30 and an alternate route 25. The movable track section 10
functions as a switch between the primary route 30 and the
alternate route 25, such as by translating the movable track
section 10 sideways in combination with yaw movement to align with
the track 5 of the selected route 25, 30. Advantageously, the
motion base 15 provides sufficient displacement and rotation motion
that conventional switch characteristics are not required. In
particular, the motion base 15 movement in any of one to six
independent degrees of freedom allows the switch to connect the
movable track section 10 with other track 5 without regard to
whether the tracks 5, 10 are co-planar, are axially symmetric or
have a single radius of curvature motion, as required for
traditional track switches.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2, a movable track section 10 is shown
between two fixed tracks 5. A small gap 110, preferably sized to be
inconsequential to the ride vehicle 20 tires or wheels, is provided
between the tracks 10, 5 to permit movement of the movable track
section 10 without interference or obstruction by the fixed track
5. Sensors 60 are provided for aligning movable track section 10
and fixed tracks 5 to ensure track continuity when the ride vehicle
20 (not shown in FIG. 2) is moving. The sensors 60 may be any of
several known types, including electromagnetic and electrooptical.
Sensors 60 may include track locks 65 for mechanically joining and
decoupling the movable track section 10 to the fixed track 5. The
track locks 65 may be integrated with the sensors, or the track
locks 65a can be separate devices. The track locks 65, 65a may be
activated by the sensors 60, or by an alternative trigger
mechanism, such as a manually-operated switch. Said sensors 60 can
be integrated into the motion base 15 or other articulating
mechanism and/or into the termination(s) of each track segment
and/or locking or securement mechanisms. Preferably, sensors 60 are
employed mounted to the actuating devices 115 on the motion base 15
or other articulating mechanism to provide feedback motion control
of the motion base 15, and additional sensors 60 are mounted to the
open fixed and movable track 5, 10 ends to provide redundant
validation of the movable track 10 ends docking with the fixed
track 5 ends. Finally, sensors 60 are also employed in connection
with track locks 65, 65a to ensure the movable track 10 is secured
subsequent to completion of a motion profile executed by the motion
base 15 or other articulating mechanism.
[0020] The movable track section 10 is secured on top of a motion
base 15. Motion base 15 includes a track support 120 for joining
the track section 10 to actuators 115 for imparting movement in the
up to six independent degrees of freedom. Actuators 115 are
connected via single or multiple axis bearing assemblies 117 or
equivalent structures such as universal joints, spherical bearings,
ball joints, among others, between the track support 120 and a
support platform 17 or the ground. The motion base 15 may include a
bell-crank mechanism, planetary gear drive, belt and pulley drive
or other equivalent drive mechanism (not shown) for rotating the
track section 10 on track support 120 in the yaw direction. Such
rotation can be greater than 360 degrees in either yaw direction.
Similar mechanisms can be used to provide increased or continuous
capability to rotate about the pitch or roll axes, if desired.
[0021] In an embodiment of the invention used as a track switch,
the ride vehicle 20 may be slowed sufficiently and the movable
track section 10 is sufficiently long, that the ride vehicle 20 may
continue to travel on the track 10 as it is moved by motion base 15
between track switch positions. In such case, the sensors 60 and/or
locks 65, 65a are used at one end of the movable track section 10
to determine when the switching is complete and secure the track
sections in a continuous path for the ride vehicle 20. Preferably,
appropriate blocking elements, such as brakes or other securing
mechanisms (not shown in FIG. 2), are employed so that the ride
vehicle 20 cannot traverse the movable track section 10 terminus at
either end absent proper positioning and interlocking. After the
ride vehicle 20 passes off the movable track section 10, it can be
reset for the next ride vehicle 20 to approach.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention in
which the movable track section 10 is positioned between two
different height sections of fixed track 5. The movable track
section 10 is used to lift the ride vehicle 20 between sections of
fixed track 5, as indicated by the directional arrow. A scenery
element 40 is provided adjacent the movable track section 10 to
enhance the ride experience. The scenery element 40 may provide
some sensory effect to the riders in the ride vehicle 20 as it
experiences motion complementary to the sensory effect of the
scenery element 40, or simply motion associated with a track
switching action.
[0023] Combined motions may be employed to alter the orientation of
the ride vehicle 20 in three-space. For example, the ride vehicle
may be yawed 50 degrees counter-clockwise, pitched 20 degrees down,
rolled 20 degrees and translated laterally 1.3 meters according to
a pre-programmed motion profile to match up with a fixed track
section 5 in the ride vehicle 20 direction of travel. The combined
motions can be done to enhance the show effect provided by
proximately located scenery elements 40 in a themed ride, as well
as to reposition the movable track section 10 between fixed track
sections 5. For example, the motions above may be used to simulate
a flying vehicle evading a pursuer when combined with active or
passive scenery elements 40 displaying suitable background images.
The extent of the motion provided by motion base 15 is limited only
by the actuating mechanisms, so that displacements up to 20 m or
more and rotational movement about any of the axes of 360 degrees
or greater, and preferably between about 0-120 degrees and most
preferably about 10-90 degrees can be achieved.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 3 a vehicle securing device 210 is provided
for rigidly holding the vehicle body 200 on the track section 10.
The vehicle securing device 210 can be mounted to either the ride
vehicle 20 or to the movable track section 10, and is engageable
with the other one of the vehicle 20 and track section 10. The
vehicle securing device 210 can be, for example, a caliper brake
connected to the ride vehicle 20 for locking on a portion of the
track 10, a hook or clamp extending from the track 10 to releasably
engage a bar or other portion of the ride vehicle 20, or other
mechanism suitable for rigidly securing the ride vehicle 20 on the
track section 10 when the track section 10 is decoupled from the
fixed track 5. Sensors 212, 214 are preferably provided to ensure
proper alignment of the ride vehicle 20 with the vehicle securing
device 210. Sensors 212, 214 can also be used to determine whether
the ride vehicle 20 is secured to the track and notify a controller
of the vehicle securing device 210 status.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of an amusement ride
having a fixed path 100 similar to the one shown in FIG. 1. The
fixed path includes fixed track 5 and movable track section 10 on
motion base 15. Scenery elements 40 are provided at selected points
along the path 100. In this configuration, the movable track
section 10 permits the amusement ride to re-use portions of the
path 100 so that the ride occupies a smaller footprint. The movable
track section 10 functions as a complex switch for directing the
ride vehicle 20 between loops A and B. For example, as indicated by
the arrows V, the ride vehicle may first travel across the movable
track section 10, with or without stopping for motion effects in
combination with scenery elements 40. The ride vehicle 20 then
arrives back at the movable track section 10, where it is turned
about 300 degrees for forward travel in the direction of arrow V
through loop B, and subjected to lateral translation to line up
with the fixed track 5 of loop B. If the scenery elements 40 are
dynamic scenery or configurable scenery, then when the ride vehicle
20 is going through the switching from loop A to loop B, different
effects may be experienced by the riders in the ride vehicle 20
than on the first pass to loop A. After passing around loop B, and
returning again on fixed track section 5a, the movable track
section 10 is used to switch the ride vehicle 20 to the return path
5b back to the loading and unloading station 50. In a still further
embodiment of the multiple motion switching, track section 5a may
be separate from loop B at a different elevation, but horizontally
aligned with track 5 of loop A, so that the motion base 15 and
movable track section 10 also changes the height of the returning
ride vehicle 20 to match the return path track 5b.
[0026] The movable track section 10 advantageously provides greater
motion to a ride vehicle 20 on a fixed path track 100 to enhance a
ride experience without the expense of fitting individual ride
vehicles with motion bases 15. For example, when it is desired to
have additional motion besides forward or backward motion on a
fixed path track at one point on the track 5, the movable track
section 10 easily provides that motion to each ride vehicle passing
that point on the track. Further, the movable track section 10
functions as an easily configurable track switch with multiple
switch positions, rather than just one or two, and without
conventional switch limitations. The movable track section 10 can
also be used as a turntable with greater functionality than merely
rotating the ride vehicle 20; the ride vehicle 20 may be turned,
and, as well, lifted or tilted to mate the end of the movable track
10 in the direction of travel with another portion of the fixed
track 5. In each case, scenery effects 40 are combinable with the
motion of the movable track section 10 to enhance the riders'
experiences on the amusement ride. The movable track section 10 is
easily retrofit to existing rides by replacing the track supports
for a particular section with the motion base 15 to form movable
track section 10.
[0027] The moveable track section 10 enable substantially enhanced
entertainment potential in addition to significantly increased
utility as a track switch. For example, in one embodiment, a ride
vehicle 20 may enter a show scene and transition onto the movable
track section 10. In this embodiment, the moveable track section 10
is themed for the ride, such as by being part of a bridge assembly.
A themed ride show sequence involving collapse of the bridge the
movable track section 10 is part of may ensue while the ride
vehicle 20 is on the movable track section 10. Various scenery
elements 40 are provided proximate the movable track section 10 to
create the themed experience. The motion capabilities of the
movable track section 10 are used to enhance the show experience by
more realistically simulating the bridge collapse, such as by
executing falling and twisting movement of the movable track
section 10 and ride vehicle 20. The motion of the movable track
section 10 and scenery elements 40 are combined to form a show
element that is enhanced over conventional effects. At the same
time, the controlled movement repositions the movable track section
10 adjacent another fixed track 5 position for the ride vehicle 20
to continue through the themed ride.
[0028] In a still further embodiment of the movable track section
10 used as a show element, a roller-coaster type ride vehicle 20
can approach what at first appears to be a broken track segment,
but is in fact the movable track section 10. Upon entering the
movable track section 10, the ride vehicle is secured and the
movable track section 10 executes motion dynamics consistent with
causing riders to believe that the ride vehicle 20 had instead left
the track 5. For example, significant pitch down motion combined
with roll motion could be used. Again, the simulative motion of the
movable track section 10 is combined with, or superimposed upon,
motion designed to reconnect the movable track section 10 with a
fixed track section 5 for continuing the ride. As will be apparent,
the movable track section 10 provides many different ways in which
the motion capabilities can enhance the ride experience in a
variety of situations.
[0029] While the present invention has been described with
references to preferred embodiments, various changes or
substitutions may be made on these embodiments by those ordinarily
skilled in the art pertinent to the present invention with out
departing from the technical scope of the present invention.
Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention encompasses
not only those embodiments described above, but all that fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *